Richard Mille first revolutionized watch design in 2015 by crafting timepieces with cases made entirely of colored sapphire. The RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire collection expands with four new models, one of which introduces the captivating lilac sapphire —a completely new shade— along with new variations of the gem-set dial.
The RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire collection beautifully marries minimalist design with the mechanical intricacy of haute horlogerie. For connoisseurs of Richard Mille, who appreciate the brand's signature watchmaking innovations, these new timepieces stay true to the original RM 07-02, where the movement was visible from every angle through a stunning colored sapphire prism.
Key features of the new collection include:
Four new color variants, including a fresh lilac sapphire hue
Geometrically structured dials
A case that demands over 1,000 hours of machining
A diamond-set case, representing a true technical achievement
At the heart of each piece lies a striking dial, featuring perfectly symmetrical geometric shapes that draw the eye with their refined elegance. This central design showcases the craftsmanship of the master gem-setter, with stones that catch the light, enhancing every facet of the sapphire case. The gem settings —on the dial, bezel, and flange— are complemented by a cabochon crown.
A dazzling array of precious stones, including brilliant diamonds, hypnotic blue sapphires, vibrant yellow sapphires, and ornamental stones like orange spessartite, white agate, opal, green tsavorite, chrysoprase, and malachite, elevate the visual appeal of the watch.
Beneath its radiant exterior, the watch conceals cutting-edge mechanical engineering. Encased in sapphire, the CRMA5 in-house skeletonized automatic movement displays hours and minutes. Wound by a variable-geometry rotor, the movement’s winding mechanism can be adjusted to suit the wearer’s activity by shifting two small weights. The compact calibre offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The baseplate and bridges, crafted from either red or white gold depending on the version, are meticulously microblasted and hand-chamfered, while the oscillating weight in red gold is set with diamonds, adding an extra layer of luxury.
Creating colored sapphires is a more complex process than working with transparent crystals. Metal oxides are carefully incorporated into the sapphire’s crystalline structure to create these vibrant hues, with the material's sensitivity to heat and growth making the development of new colors, like lilac, a challenge. Each new shade is the result of numerous trials to perfect the color.
Gemsetting into sapphire is an extraordinary feat, requiring precision laser techniques to drill holes for the stones with micron-level accuracy. Hand-polished gold prongs are then meticulously crafted and inserted to hold the diamonds in place, creating a flawless and graceful setting.
The RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire collection represents a relentless pursuit of excellence, where technical mastery and refined design come together in perfect harmony. Each version of this collection is limited to just seven pieces, with variants in gem-set pink sapphire, lilac sapphire, green sapphire, and gem-set green sapphire.
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